International Municipal Signal Association Certification & Renewal

New Prerequisites for International Municipal Signal Association Traffic Signal Inspector!

Beginning August 1, 2018 – In order to get your Traffic Signal Inspector certification you will need to have an International Municipal Signal Association Work Zone Traffic Control Safety Certification or here in Florida an Intermediate Temporary Traffic Control certification (formerly Intermediate Maintenance of Traffic) AND the IMSA Traffic Signal Technician Level 1.

< FYI: Current certificate holders are not affected by this change>

Did you know International Municipal Signal Association certifications can be renewed with 16 educational hours in an IMSA approved classAND that they can be renewed within one year of the expiration (no exam required).

Did you also know that Signal Inspector & Signal Technician hours are interchangeable! You can use a Signal Inspector class to renew a Signal Technician certificate and vice-versa! Sign Tech & Pavement Tech hours are also interchangeable! Use a Sign Tech class to renew a Pavement Tech certificate and vice-versa! All of our listed classes can be used for renewal hours.

We do the best we can to help you through the enrollment and certification processes. Below are some helpful hints and useful tools to help you along. Please feel free to utilize the documents below to make things easier and to stay informed:

IMSA Course Descriptions

* Special Note: The procedures of specific state and local agencies may vary from those presented in these programs. It is highly recommended that each participant become familiar with the practices of their own applicable agency which has jurisdiction over his or her area of operation. *

Target Audience: This certification program is intended for individuals that have achieved the Transportation Center System Specialist Level I certification whose role and responsibilities may require a higher level of knowledge and be more supervisory.

General Description: The IMSA Traffic Signal Inspector Level I Certification Program is designed to ensure public safety by helping individuals to understand fundamental concepts associated with the inspection for construction of traffic signal installations. Traffic Signals are a key element in our transportation system and the proper operation of these signals is of paramount importance in maintaining reasonable levels of mobility.

Purpose: Knowledgeable traffic signal inspection is required to ensure that proper/specified construction practices are followed during signal installation resulting in signals that operate as intended. Knowledgeable inspection is also a key element in limiting the liability exposure of governmental agencies associated with malfunctioning traffic signals.

Target Audience: Traffic Signal Inspector Level I Certification is recommended for all individuals involved in the inspection of traffic signal construction. It is also a valuable course for contractor personnel, since it provides an inspector’s viewpoint of traffic signal construction.

General Description: The IMSA Traffic Signal Inspector Advanced Technologies Certification Program builds on knowledge and skills developed in the Traffic Signal Inspector Level I program, and prepares the traffic signal inspector for more challenging and advanced assignments.

Purpose: To successfully complete this program and exam inspectors taking this Advanced Inspection Course should have fundamental knowledge and understanding of:

The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) or the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices Canada (MUTCDC)

Traffic signal phasing and timing of traffic signals

Basic electrical theory and wiring practices

Foundations, poles, and supports

Testing equipment and procedures

Communications methods

Traffic Signal Operations

ITS Devices

Network Equipment

Standard Practices

Materials

Processes of the electrical trade

Design

Installation

Safety procedures (OSHA)

Target Audience: This program is intended for individuals responsible for the inspection of advanced traffic control and Intelligent Transportation Systems who seek an advanced level of professional certification.

Course Specifics: Material covered in this program includes test equipment, control components, power systems, foundations, intersection wiring, detection systems, Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) devices, and communications.

General Description: The Traffic Signal Level 1 program is based on the concept of relating fundamentals of traffic signal design; traffic signal installation, maintenance and limited troubleshooting. This is the entry course for Traffic Signal Technicians and discusses the basic procedures of how and why to install signalized intersections. It covers the process of installation required for an entry level student up to a one year technician. The program covers the fundamentals used today and sets the direction the technician may follow in the future.

Purpose: The program is designed to enhance public safety by helping individuals to review fundamental concepts associated with traffic signal design, construction, and operation. Following the course guidelines help promote safe, efficient signalized intersections.

Target Audience: For individuals responsible for the maintenance, construction, and operations of traffic signals and related equipment. This certification program would also aid those responsible for the planning and design of traffic signals, such as traffic engineers and traffic technicians.

General Description: The Traffic Signal Level 2 Certification indicates the holder has a well-rounded background in traffic signal technology from coursework and experience.

Purpose: The Level 2 Field certification indicates the technician has additional information on traffic signal control system troubleshooting, on-site repairs, and maintenance methods and equipment.

Target Audience: The certification holder is prepared to make a substantial contribution in the maintenance and repair of signalized intersections, whether employed by a private firm or a public agency.

What does it cover?
The 100 question exam associated with the certification has been prepared to test the candidate on a wide range of topics relating to field expertise and general knowledge of the applied traffic signal technologies in the field.
The following list contains reference materials that the potential IMSA Traffic Signal Senior Field Technician Level 3 must be familiar with:

General Description: This two-day seminar will address the basic principles behind sign and pavement marking. Level 1 review material has been derived from the MUTCD. It covers applications of regulatory signs, warning signs, guide signs, tourist oriented directional signs, markings and markers, traffic control in school areas, bicycle traffic control devices, safety and temporary traffic control, installation of signs and markings, and emergency management signing. The remaining material which will be reviewed in class has been derived from the following publications: FHWA’s Standard Highway Signs, FHWA’s Standard Alphabets for Highway Signs and Pavement Markings, TRB’s NCHRP Synthesis 157 Maintenance Management of Street and Highway Signs, and ITE’s Traffic Engineering Handbook.

Purpose: To encourage individuals to learn the basic principles of sign fabrication, their installation and proper placement of markings for safe traffic movement in urban and rural areas.

Target Audience: This certification program in designed for transportation professionals responsible for the planning, design, layout, installation, and maintenance of traffic signs and roadway markings.

Course Specifics: The course material has largely been derived for the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). You will also review: general principles; regulatory signs; guide signs; pavement markings, object markers, school zones, railroad crossings; and bicycle routes.

General Description: This two-day seminar has been prepared to build upon the fundamental understanding the student gained during the Sign & Marking Level 1 program.

Purpose: With this Level 2 program, the student will garner greater insight and a more nuanced understanding of sign design, installation, and maintenance.

Target Audience: This program is important for the sign technician to further his or her understanding of the criteria for the application of signs in accordance with the MUTCD and other references.

Course Specifics: The student will learn when and where these traffic control devices are installed, how to properly manufacture, install and maintain them, and why it is important to take even greater care with the increased responsibility that comes with Level 2 certification.

General Description: This two-day seminar has been prepared to build upon the fundamental understanding the student gained during the Sign & Pavement Marking Level 1 program.

Purpose: This Level 2 program will allow the student to garner greater insight and a more advanced understanding of pavement marking materials, installation, and maintenance.

Target Audience: This certification program is important for the pavement marking technician to further his or her understanding of the criteria for the application of a myriad of pavement markings and pavement marking materials in accordance with the MUTCD and other references.

Course Specifics: The student will learn when and where these traffic control devices are installed, how to properly install and maintain them, and why it is important to take even greater care with the increased responsibility that comes with Level 2 certification.

General Description: Level 3 certification is the highest level of certification for Sign Technician OR Pavement Markings Technician personnel. The course is a review session and question/answer followed by the exam. There is no course manual.

Purpose: To attain the highest level of certification in the Sign Technician OR Pavement Markings Technician operation field. The Level 3 certification gives the Specialist a profound sense of accomplishment as the energy and effort it takes to achieve this goal is exceptional.

General Description: This two-day Roadway Lighting Level 1 Certification seminar for qualified personnel is designed to aid individuals in understanding fundamental aspects of Roadway Lighting.

Target Audience: Individuals who are involved with design, installation, and maintenance projects related to roadway and street lighting will benefit by taking this seminar. This seminar covers various aspects to help ensure the safety of motorist and workers regarding the quality roadway lighting system.

Purpose: The review material will address Electrical Safety and Codes; Basic Electricity and Laws, and Basic Construction and Maintenance.

Course Specifics:

Develop a good working knowledge of electrical safety and safe equipment operation

General Description: This three-day classroom and hands-on lab covers the knowledge and skills needed by fiber optic technicians involved in the design, installation or operation of fiber optic networks used in transportation, fire alarm, communications, video and municipal applications.

Purpose: Requirements for today’s fiber optic networks have become more complex than ever and the demand for qualified persons who have the knowledge to install, operate, maintain and test them is growing at an unprecedented rate. Because of the complexity of today’s fiber networks, proper training is a necessity for technicians to do their job effectively

Target Audience: This certification program is intended for practitioners that are directly or indirectly involved with the installation, maintenance or design of intelligent transportation systems, traffic control, fire alarm, communications, video, municipal, specialized protocols or any other fiber related networks or programs.

Prerequisites: Included in the IMSA/FOA CFOT program, students will also be required to take an online self-study program on FOA’s Fiber U online training website. In this self-study program, students will be introduced to the basics of fiber optics, components, installation and testing. Studying these online beforehand allows the classroom time to be minimized and lab time maximized.